JNU Students End 18-Day Hunger Strike After University Withdraws Expulsion Orders

New Delhi: Students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have ended their 18-day hunger strike after the university withdrew the rustication orders against student union office-bearers. An agreement was also reached with the university administration on several other key demands.

The hunger strike had begun on October 3, with JNU Students’ Union vice-president and Malayali student K Gopika Babu among those taking part.

The university administration’s decision to withdraw the disciplinary action against student representatives marked a major breakthrough in the agitation. Discussions were also held on demands to improve the university’s infrastructure. The administration said a committee including student representatives could be formed to examine the restoration of the JNU Entrance Examination (JNUEE). Issues related to FIRs registered against students were also discussed.

The protest was led by Students’ Union president Aditi Mishra, vice-president K Gopika Babu and general secretary Sunil Yadav, among others. The students had raised 13 demands, including the protection of their democratic rights, withdrawal of controversial provisions in the Chief Proctor’s Office manual, restoration of the Gender Sensitisation Committee Against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH), and improvements to hostel facilities and the university’s infrastructure.

As the strike continued, the health of the fasting students deteriorated seriously. Despite suffering from persistent vomiting and exhaustion that left some struggling even to walk, the students refused to abandon their protest. Gopika Babu and others had strongly criticised Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit over her stance. The administration’s reluctance to address the students’ demands despite their worsening health triggered widespread criticism.

Student organisations and democratic activists from different parts of the country had expressed solidarity with the JNU protest. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas had voiced concern over the students’ health and sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu and the Union Education Minister.

The breakthrough in talks came amid mounting protests against what the students described as anti-student actions by the university administration.